Deep, vibrant purple/red in the glass with aromas of blackberry, black plum and blackcurrant plus hints of wintergreen, forest floor, deep-set spice, smoky oak and roasting meats. Textured and smooth as silk on the palate. The spicy black fruits flow in a savory line through a curtain of fine, ripe, powdery tannins to a persistent finish. Drink in 2016. - Nick Stock

Bright, zesty berry and spice flavours with a subtle herb influence. Mouth-watering red in a slightly more restrained style than the 2010 reflecting, perhaps, a moderately challenging vintage. One of the best blended Hawke’s Bay reds I’ve tasted from this vintage. Finely textured and with a lengthy finish. It should cellar well.

A blended of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2011 Sophia is medium to deep garnet-purple color and presents a nose of warm cassis, preserved plums and blackberry compote with hints of pencil shavings, cinnamon toast, plus a touch of Mediterranean herbs. Medium-bodied and tightly knit in the mouth, it has a medium to firm level of chewy tannins and balanced acid framing the conservative fruit cone through a finish with good persistence. Drink it now to 2021+. 93+ - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The 2011 blend is 60% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% Petit Verdot, yielding a round opulent mouthfeel backed by svelte structure. Cedar, mocha and a mix of cassis and black cherry fruit end on some dry, dusty tannins. Drink now–2020.